"The left temporal T2 signal abnormality lesion seen on previous study is again noted and does not appear to have significantly changed, measuring 1.8 x 1.0 cm. No significant enhancment.

Scattered areas of hogh focal FLAIR abnormality are also seen throughout the white matter. No midline shift or mass effect. No acute infarction. No hemorrhage or extra-axial fluid collections.

The ventricles are patent. Posterior fossa is unremarkable. No abnormal enhancement. No enhancing masses are seen."

This is the report on a follow-up brain scan. The original was 2 years ago. Symptoms for which my doctors are looking for a cause include sudden complete hearing loss in right ear, loss of equilibrium, and "jittering" vision while walking. Also, frequent severe headaches. Help!

Hello MHPitts and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Interpreting a MRI is best left to your Doctor.

In the report there should be an "impression" section where the Radiologist will give possible causes for the MRI findings. Those "findings" is up to your Doctor to rule in or out.

The MRI will show abnormalities, something that should not be there. The term lesion refers to many different findings on MRI.

Take care...

Snoopy's correct, the doctor is the best person to tell interpret your scan, because although you can make fair guesses as to what it is saying, without the images it is difficult to gage the severity of what they are describing.

The stuff that I take away from the language is that you a) had a previous lesion that isn't growing, b) you have flair, which isn't normal but again without the images don't really know how big of a deal it is and how it may impact you, and c) other than that it seems ok? You didn't have a stroke (acute infarction)! Yay!

Go back to your neuro and see what they have to say. Something else that is important that your text didn't say are the areas where the lesion and flairs are located. MS has some locations that are usually considered "typical" and where they specifically look for damage...not that it always works out that way.

Best of luck!

Thank you for your reply. The area affected is the left temporal lobe. I don't have another appointment with the Dr. for three weeks, so I am anxious to know if this lesion has anything to do my symptoms. Clearly, the definitive interpretation will be for my Dr.

hi pitts and welcome to NT,

the others are right. most of the language to me says nothing active or growing. i know it's hard to wait for tests, then wait for appt to explain it.
please let us know what your dr says.